Three Russellville High School juniors were named 2006 Governor's Scholars. Sam Hann, Abby Clark, and Nathan Sindorf were chosen to participate in the intensive five-week Governor's Scholar Program (or GSP) during which time they will have the opportunity to study and interact with faculty members from three prestigious Kentucky colleges.

A state-wide selection process evaluated hundreds of nominated students' academic records, test scores, teacher recommendations, extracurricular activities, and essays and found three Russellville students to possess the qualities desired for Governor Scholar's participants.

The Governor's Scholar Program is nationally recognized and offers students the chance to go above and beyond normal classroom study in the areas of science, mathematics, humanities, and the arts. The students will also experience a variety of co-curricular activities and a rich residential life. Hann, Clark, and Sindorf will be able to participate in community involvement projects, seminars, and other activities which are often initiated by the students.

There is no question that Hann, Clark, and Sindorf deserve such recognition.

Samuel Hann (Sammy), the son of Tracy D. and Melinda E. Hann of Russellville, has been involved in a number of activities. Hann is actively involved in Boy Scouts of America, Future Business Leaders of America where he became vice-president, Science Club, Spanish Club, and was a featured speaker for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. His oratorical skills sent him to state speech competition as a finalist.

Hann is also active in athletics. He was a member of the varsity golf team his freshman and sophomore years, and was on both the varsity swim team and varsity football team. When not playing sports, he is busy helping raise school spirit by his participation in the Pep Club.

He has won many prestigious awards, including the Order of the Arrow in Boy Scouts, which is awarded to less than 1percent of eligible candidates. He was also inducted into the National Honor Society recently.

Perhaps greater than the grades, honors, and awards, is Hann's participation as a volunteer in many aspects of civic work, including work in Big Brothers/Big Sisters, AGAPE's Toy for Tots program, and in church operating the sound system and radio broadcast, which is run live weekly across Western Kentucky, Tennessee, and Illinois. His experience in running sound boards and technical expertise led him to operate the lights for an entire performance by the Nashville Ballet.

Abby Clark is also well-deserving of the honor of being accepted into the GSP. She is the daughter of Dr. Dale Clark and Mrs. Sara Beth Clark of Russellville. Clark has won high honors in both academics and athletics.

In her three years on the RHS Swim Team, Clark was a member of two state finalist relay teams, helped win the regional champion relay, and was a regional back stroke finalist. She qualified for a state championship meet through United States Swimming.

In the area of academics, Clark has been an active member of the student council in its years of existence and was made president-elect her junior year. She is an active member of Beta Club and was initiated into the National Honor Society recently. She has competed for the Spanish Club at WKU in written composition. She also tries to be a positive role model for the elementary school students by working with the Positive Panther Peers group.

Again, volunteerism and community service set Clark apart from other nominees in the state. She has worked with the Angel Tree Program, Annual Heritage Bike Ride, Good Samaritan, Mother's Day Out that provided child care for mothers and fathers who wished to shop during the holidays, a leaf-raking project through church, trash pick-up at Briggs Lake, and other activities that show her concern for her fellow citizens and for the environment.

Clark received Distinguished ratings on CATS testing during her freshman and sophomore years. She received a KHSAA All-State Academic Award, was nominated for Beta state vice president, and was named Outstanding Student in geometry, biology, Algebra 2.

Nathan Sindorf is the son of Robert W. and Carole S. Sindorf of Russellville. In his years at Russellville High School, he has been actively involved in band, (marching, concert, pep, and Jazz), the academic team, track team, and soccer team. One might think that there is no time remaining, but Sindorf is also a Life Rank Boy Scout and member of the Order of the Arrow. He is a member of the Drama, Photography, and Science clubs.

Sindorf also works on the WRHS News Team, which is a production of the high school students and is broadcast in the school. He prefers behind-the-scene work on technical areas of the broadcast, but appears regularly on-camera as well.

He is involved in his church as an active member. Sindorf tries to be a positive role model to younger children. He does this through his church and also through the Positive Panther Peers program, which takes a stand against drug and alcohol use.

Sindorf has won awards for Outstanding Student in chemistry and English II, won second place in the National Beta Club History WrittenAssessment, all-district band, the Scholastic Achievement Award, all-district team in soccer, and many other awards- too many to name.

Because Sindorf was on the soccer team as well as in marching band, there were some schedule conflicts which made it impossible for him to attend a few marching band practices. Although missing practice, Sindorf didn't fall behind. He caught up with the others quickly by his work ethic. He even took outside lessons on his instrument to further excel in his musical skills.

The faculty of the Russellville Independent School District congratulates these accomplished individuals. Their dedication, work ethics, and attitudes are shining examples of what it means to be a Governor's Scholar, students, and caring and thoughtful citizens.